Erich

Old Norse

"eternal ruler"

Erich Origin and Meaning

The name Erich is a boy's name of Czech origin.

Erich is a masculine name of Germanic origin, serving as a variation of Eric, which derives from the Old Norse elements "ei" (ever, always) and "ríkr" (ruler, king), meaning "eternal ruler" or "ever powerful." This spelling with the final 'h' is particularly common in German-speaking countries, giving the name a distinctive continental European flavor. Erich gained notable recognition through famous bearers like German military officer Erich Ludendorff and psychoanalyst Erich Fromm. While less common than Eric in English-speaking countries, Erich maintains steady usage among families with German heritage or those appreciating its classical European sophistication. The name conveys strength and dignified tradition while offering a slightly distinguished alternative to the more widely used Eric.

Erich Rank in US Top 1000

# 924 in the US

Famous People Named Erich

• Erich Maria Remarque German novelist
• Erich Wolfgang Korngold Czech,American composer
• Erich Friedrich Wilhelm Ludendorff German WWI general
• Erich von Stroheim Austrian silent film actor and director
• Erich Honecker East German leader
• Erich von Manstein German WWII field marshal
• Erich Leinsdorf Austrian,American conductor
• Erich Seligmann Fromm German psychologist and philosopher
• (Emil) Erich Kästner German children's author and poet
• Erich Johann Albert Raeder German WWII admiral